Manipur bomb attacks: The Manipur government on Friday (September 6) announced the closure of schools on Saturday (September 7) in view of unrest arising out of bomb attacks in Bishnupur district. According to a notification issued by the Directorate of Education (Schools), all schools in the state will remain closed on September 7 for safety of students and teachers.
"In view of unrest and the prevailing situation in the state and keeping in mind the safety of students and teachers, all government and private schools, central schools will stay closed on September 7," the notification said.
1 dead, 5 injured in attacks
An elderly man was killed and five others were injured after suspected militants launched the bomb attack on a residential area of Moirang in Bishnupur district on Friday afternoon, an official said.
The rocket, which fell on the compound of former chief minister Mairembam Koireng’s residence, seemed to be an improvised one. It is the second rocket that was fired in the district on Friday.
"The elderly man was preparing for some religious rituals in the compound when the bomb exploded. He died on the spot," the official added.
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a conglomeration of valley-based civil bodies, has declared a "public emergency" across the five districts of Imphal Valley with immediate effect.
Thousands of people across five districts of the Imphal Valley formed human chains on Friday to protest the attacks by militants.
Manipur DGP on rocket attacks
Director General of Manipur Police Rajiv Singh said that bombing using drones is a new development in the state, adding that the police were taking the matter very seriously.
"I have personally spoken to everybody in Delhi. I have also spoken to DG NSG and his team. Other experts are coming in, and we have formed a high-level committee to look into the drone attack and other related issues.
We have taken the new development very seriously. We will find out a solution at the earliest. All forces are continuing the combing operations to nab the militants," the DGP had told the media.
Manipur Education minister on rocket attacks
Director of Education, Manipur, Laishram Nandakumar Singh, said that in view of the unrest and the prevailing situation in the state and keeping in mind the safety of the students and teachers, all government schools, government aided, private and Central schools of the state would remain closed on Saturday.
"All Zonal Education Officers under the Department of Education-Schools, Manipur were directed to inform all concerned under their jurisdiction and take up necessary actions accordingly," read the order.
A senior police officer said that all the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) including Assam Rifles, state armed police and commando forces have been asked to remain on high alert and to undertake coordinated combing operations in both hill and valley areas to nab the militants.
"Top police and para-military officials are coordinating the intensified and coordinated operation in all the vulnerable districts, especially Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Imphal West, Kangpokpi districts and their adjoining areas," the official told media.
He also said that tension and a fear of attack by rival outfit cadres and armed volunteers prevailed in several districts and fringe areas.
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